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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Spicy Devil Harissa Spice Paste

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📁 African food 📁 African Food Culture 📁 African Ingredients 📁 African Recipes

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Hot chili peppers, also known as chilies, are a popular spice used in many cuisines in Africa. 

Chili peppers are known for their distinctive fiery taste and pungent aroma, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Boosts metabolism: Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy taste, can increase metabolism and help burn fat. 

Reduces inflammation: Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and pain in the body. Supports heart health: Chili peppers contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. 

Helps regulate blood sugar: The compounds in chili peppers may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Boosts immunity: Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Promotes digestion: Capsaicin can also help stimulate the digestive system and relieve digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and nausea. 

Note that consuming large amounts of chili peppers can cause digestive discomfort and may aggravate conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As with any food, moderation is key.

Fast hot and spicy seasoning Harissa spice paste is known as the devil hot pepper seasoning made from the hottest ground red peppers.

Spicy Devil Harissa Spice Paste

Harissa is the basic seasoning used in North African and Middle Eastern cooking and is extremely hot but good. Harissa is typically made hot and served with vegetables, grilled meats and couscous. 

Harissa is also used as a condiment, or mixed with soups and stews to flavor stews, soups or couscous. Harissa can be made five days ahead just simply keep covered in the fridge. 

Harissa is a devilish flavorful hot chili pepper paste made from dried chilies, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and toasted spices.

Harissa pepper spice recipe

Harissa paste recipe
Harissa Paste

Make Harissa devil hot 5-Minute homemade spicy seasoning with step-by-step directions.

Ingredients
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 African bird hot peppers, diced, do not remove the seeds. You can use red Thai chili peppers instead.
1 tablespoon ghost chili powder
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 large red tomatoes, chopped
Small handful of coriander leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Spicy Devil Harissa Spice Paste

Directions
Lightly toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant around 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Add the cooled seeds with the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve with vegetables, grilled meat, chicken or flat bread.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=
The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.